Staff Spotlight: Matt LoJacono

Matt LoJacono is the assistant director of academic advising and student affairs for the Jenkins MBA program within the Poole College of Management. LoJacono has been with the college since spring 2018 and earned a master of science in organizational communication from NC State in 2017.

As the assistant director of academic advising and student affairs, LoJanoco’s main responsibility is to focus on the personal and professional success of students seeking their master’s degree. On a typical day, he meets with students, communicates to the class about important topics, and coordinates with faculty and staff to improve the clarity and efficiency of our program. He is currently involved in the University Communicators peer group and was named NC State Communication Graduate Teacher of the Year in 2017. 

Work at Poole College

Why did you decide to join Poole College?

The employees and students in Poole represent the best qualities of NC State and I’m thankful every day that I get to work with this group.

What is the most common question you receive at work? 

“What path should I take to reach my goal?” is probably a general summary of the most common question I receive. Graduate school is a transitional time in a lot of students’ lives as they are taking the next step in their career path. Many of them already know who they are and what they want to pursue, but they are looking for guidance to make those dreams a reality. I help guide them to the best resources here in Jenkins and Poole so they are ready to be leaders when they graduate.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at Poole College?

I am constantly amazed by the welcoming and supportive nature of our staff, particularly here in Jenkins MBA. I also enjoy seeing the accomplishments of our students. I work with some amazing people!

What do you see as the greatest strengths of Poole College?

Poole College is the most collaborative environment I’ve ever witnessed. There is a clear vision to produce the best possible education and experience to our undergraduate and graduate students. Our quarterly college-wide meetings always feel like a gathering of friends all working towards the same goal.  

What advice would you give a staff member who has recently joined Poole College?

Walk around and introduce yourself! Even if you will never work directly with a person down the hall, you will be enriched by knowing the wonderful people in Poole. 

Professional Accomplishments

What do you believe is your most interesting accomplishment as a staff member? 

When I first worked in Poole I had the privilege of working with Christine Ferrell and the amazing people in marketing and communications here at Poole. Although I have since shifted into my role here in advising in Jenkins MBA, you can still find the articles that I wrote in our news archives. I had so much fun learning about Poole and writing about the awesome people here.

Life Outside of Poole

Where were you born and what countries/state/cities did you live it?

I was born in Concord, Massachusetts but we moved to Washington, D.C. in 1980 and I grew up about 12 miles from the city in Springfield, Virginia. I moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2006 and worked at Virginia Tech until 2015 when my wife and I moved to Raleigh.

When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun? 

My wife Mollie and I are obsessed with baseball, particularly the Boston Red Sox. You will often find us watching a game on TV or catching a Durham Bulls game during the summer. I know they are the Rays minor league team but we still love them too! 

We also love spending time with our two dogs, Washburne and Willow. Personally, I am also a big fan of video games, comics, and film. I’m currently learning the guitar, and hoping to write my first novel. (I have an outline and a cool idea!) 

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment outside of work?

I was a national informative speaking finalist in the American Forensic Association National Tournament during my undergraduate career. I have also finished three half-marathons, despite not enjoying any of them!